I NTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION
TELECOMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT BUREAU
Document 74-E
24 February 1998
Original: English
WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION DEVELOPMENT
CONFERENCE (WTDC-98)
Valletta, Malta, 23 March - 1 April 1998
For action
Agenda items: 2.3, 1.3
PLENARY MEETING
Pacific Islands Telecommunications Associations
CURRENT STATUS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT IN
PACIFIC ISLANDS COUNTRIES
CONTENTS
1
Introduction ............................................................................................................
Page
2
2
Current status of telecommunications development in Pacific Islands countries ........
3
2.1
Cook Islands ...........................................................................................................
3
2.2
Federated States of Micronesia................................................................................
4
2.3
Fiji...........................................................................................................................
5
2.4
Kiribati....................................................................................................................
6
2.5
Marshall Islands.......................................................................................................
7
2.6
Nauru......................................................................................................................
8
2.7
Niue ........................................................................................................................
8
2.8
Palau .......................................................................................................................
9
2.9
Papua New Guinea ..................................................................................................
10
2.10
Solomon Islands ......................................................................................................
11
2.11
Tonga......................................................................................................................
12
2.12
Tuvalu.....................................................................................................................
13
2.13
Western Samoa .......................................................................................................
13
3
ITU and telecommunications development in the Pacific region ...............................
14
4
Future expectations .................................................................................................
15
5
List of priorities.......................................................................................................
15
6
Conclusion ..............................................................................................................
16
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
-2CMDT98/74-E
1
Introduction
Firstly I wish to thank our hosts and the people of Malta for making us feel welcome in this beautiful
country. I wish to thank the ITU for giving the Pacific Island States an opportunity to expressive its
views and have a say on how the ITU and the Pacific should work in partnership. The ITU office in
Bangkok worked tirelessly and actively in ensuring the Pacific Nations views were heard. I must also
thank the Pacific Island countries for nominating PNG and me personally to present our views. To all
of you I say thank you.
The Pacific Ocean region covers one third of the globe consisting of thousands of islands scattered
over approximately 54 million square kilometres of ocean. The region is characterized by small island
land masses the vast distances between them, sparse populations, and the huge differences between
the smallest and the largest countries in the region. (Please see Table 1).
TABLE 1
Population, total land, and telecommunication coverage
Country/Territory
Population
Land
(Sq. km's)
No. of
Populated
Islands
Populated
Islands with
no access to
telecom
1 Cook Islands
19 100
238
11
3
2 F. States of Micronesia
105 900
607
71
67
3 Fiji
778 450
18 333
99
20
4 Kiribati
78 300
684
23
18
5 Marshall Islands
54 069
176
25
21
6 Nauru
10 600
21
1
0
7 Niue
2 100
259
1
0
8 Palau
16 500
494
5
0
3 951 500
462 840
60
50
367 400
30 303
N/A
N/A
11 Tokelau
1 500
10
3
0
12 Tonga
98 300
691
48
36
13 Tuvalu
9 500
26
9
0
14 Vanuatu
164 100
12 000
80
8
15 Western Samoa
163 500
2 935
4
1
5 820 819
529 617
416
203
9 Papua New Guinea
10 Solomon Islands
Totals
Because of the nature of their topographical structure, the islands are not well endowed with natural
resources with most very dependent on foreign aid and economies based on subsistence agriculture
and fishing. There are pockets of export potential in mining, deep-sea fishing, small-scale
manufacturing, tourism and some specialized agricultural products, but for smaller countries there
are no natural resources to rely upon except the ocean surrounding them.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
-3CMDT98/74-E
Because of the very small isolated pockets of population (often in villages less than 500 people which
are extremely remote and cannot be served by economical terrestrial mean) the cost to provide
telecommunications is extremely high. The lack of reliable main power at these remote sites increases
costs further. Land issues are very crucial to the infrastructure development and maintenance.
In the capitals of these small Pacific Island States, the large fixed infrastructure costs necessary to
provide international services for a relatively small population emphasize the lack of economies of
scale afforded to developed countries. For example Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands, has
full international services, but only for a population of 10 000.
The telecommunication infrastructure is generally regarded as one of the fundamental factors for
economic development, but in the Pacific it is more than that. Telecommunication infrastructure is
considered to be a lifeline for the scattered Pacific Island nations. Therefore development of
telecommunications is considered high priority by all countries in the region.
The infrastructure that is currently in place in the Pacific has been established to a great extent by
external aid and is heavily based on satellite systems, with limited number of satellite service
providers. Therefore development of telecommunications in such an environment has been a long,
complicated and costly process. At the same time the operational cost of established networks in the
developing countries of the Pacific continues to be way above world average, further limiting the
ability of small telecommunication operators to expand their telecommunication services. As a result,
about half of the populated islands in the developing countries of the Pacific have no access to basic
telecommunication services, as shown in Table 1.
In the subsequent sections of this paper is briefly described the current position of telecommunication
development in each developing country of the Pacific region.
2
Current status of telecommunications development in Pacific Islands countries
2.1
Cook Islands
Telecommunications services in the Cook Islands is provided by Telecom Cook Islands Ltd (TCI), a
joint venture between the Cook Islands Government (40%) and Telecom Corporation of
New Zealand Ltd (60%). TCI formed in 1991 operates the national and international
telecommunications services and has exclusive rights for service provision to the year 2001.
2.1.1
Existing telecommunications services
TCI provides local, national and international telecommunications services.
The backbone network, comprises of a Standard B earth station which serves as the international
gateway and hub to seven remote Standard D-1 earth stations at each of the most populated islands
on the domestic network.
International access is via a 2 Mbps IDR link to the Auckland Gateway Switch in New Zealand. The
Domestic Satellite Network operates via the Telstra PACT DAMA Network utilizing a total of 57
modems spread over the network. The domestic network allows communications between islands as
well as to international destinations.
The switching network is fully digitalized, with Rarotonga served by a NEAX (NEC) 61E telephone
exchange and the outer islands served by REDCOM RDX exchanges. The TCI core transmission
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
-4CMDT98/74-E
network is fibre optic covering two thirds of Rarotonga's main traffic route. Other TCI
responsibilities include the provision and maintenance of the following services:
HF & VHF Maritime
VHF Land Mobile
Fixed HF Radio
Bureaufax
Telex Service
Postal Service
Paging Service
Cellular Service
PABX Service
Radio Licensing
Frequency Management
Radio & TV Broadcasting
2.1.2
Development plans
Upgrading of remaining islands communications links from HF communications to satellite-based
communication.
Upgrading of the domestic DMA network from analogue to digital.
Promoting Internet services.
Probable investigation into the feasibility of introduction of B-ISDN to meet future demands.
Observing developments in PCS systems and benefits offered for the future.
2.2
Federated States of Micronesia
The FSM Department of Transportation and Communications is the responsible regulatory entity
while the FSM Telecommunications Corporation (FSM Telecom), a public corporation created in
1983, is the sole provider of telecommunications services in the country.
2.2.1
Telecommunications services
To provide the FSM with telecommunications services, FSM Telecom uses four Intelsat Standard B
earth stations in Chuuk, Kosrase, Pohnpei and Yap for interstate voice and data communications. A
fifth Intelsat Standard A earth station at the company's corporate headquarters in Pohnpei routes
international traffic.
Other elements in the FSM Telecom Network include a DMS-100/200 with two remotes and a
DMS-300 on Pohnpei; individual DMS-10s on Chuuk, Kosrae and Yap; eight traffic operator
position systems (TOPS); two FMT-150 systems, a Meridian Norstar system; some 410 miles of
buried cable; 53 miles of buried fibre optic cable; and various radio-linked telephones.
2.2.2
Telecommunications development
FSM Telecom will continue to invest in the long-term future in order to improve its services. The
company plans to expand telephone service to the more isolated and remote islands in the FSM and
is exploring options including the use of a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite system to offer these
services.
Given the growing importance of data communications worldwide, FSM Telecom Corp plans to
become the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the FSM. The proposed service will provide access
to the Internet for customers as well as host content on the World Wide Web.
Other priorities include: enhancing support and service operations, improving voice and data
services, and continuing to reduce communication costs.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
-5CMDT98/74-E
2.3
Fiji
Telecommunication services in the Fiji Islands are provided by Telecom Fiji Ltd the National Service
Provider and Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd (FINTEL) the international carrier.
Telecom Fiji operates as a private liability company formed in 1989 and replacing the former P&T
Department and was known then as the Fiji Post & Telecommunications Ltd. In 1996, history was
created when the postal services were separated from telecommunications leading to the formation
of the two new companies, Telecom Fiji Ltd and Post Fiji Ltd.
Telecom Fiji is licensed to provide and operate telecommunication services throughout Fiji. The
license gives the company monopoly on the provision of network services with the provision of
terminal apparatus open to competition.
The international carrier FINTEL, is a joint venture company between the Fiji Government (51%)
and Cable & Wireless, plc (49%). FINTEL holds a monopoly in the provision of internal
telecommunication services to the Fiji public.
2.3.1
Telecommunications services
International access is via FINTEL's Standard A earth station and submarine cable terminal in Suva.
From 1991, FINTEL introduced digital satellite technology, replacing its analogue with digital IDR
links. To date the satellite earth station provides 17 IDR links to Pacific Rim countries Japan, Hong
Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. To the north there are links to Canada and the United
States. Pacific Islands linked via IDR are Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Western Samoa.
Other island destinations are linked via SCPC and through the PACT DAMA Network.
FINTEL offers alternate routing via the ANZCAN submarine cable system to Australia, New
Zealand, United States and Hawaii and Canada, which is used as transit points to other destinations.
Other services offered by FINTEL include Leased Data services; Packet Switched Data;
Videoconferencing; Occasional Use TV; Internet Access.
Telecom Fiji Ltd now provides a total exchange line capacity of 89 405 with a total working line
capacity of 71 579 (July 97). This is made possible with a switching network of Ericsson AXE10
exchanges (11 AXE105; 7 AXE104; 20 RSS & 1 REDCOM 380).
The core trunk network is made up of optic fibre interlinking the major urban centres, copper plant
between local trunk networks, and digital trunk microwave radio interlinking the centres across the
main islands. Small rural locations utilize VHF single or multiple channel radio systems. Fiji's
northernmost island is linked to the national network via satellite on the DAMANET Network,
which is the first digital DAMA link on the Telstra DAMA Network.
Telecom also provides business systems (PABX etc.), Telex Service, Digital Data Network, Value
Added Network.
Digital Mobile Communications is provided by Vodafone (Fiji) Ltd. Vodafone uses an Ericsson
GSM switch (MSC) with 21 base stations operating through a single Base Station Controller (BSC)
to provide coverage along the coast of the main island from the south-east to the north-west. The
basic target service is the main business/commerce centres and along the tourism belt along the Coral
Coast. It has a single base station linked through the TFL core network to the northern division.
Through FINTELs links to international administrations, Vodafone is capable of providing global
roaming capabilities.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
-6CMDT98/74-E
2.3.2
Telecommunications development
Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL), since its privatization in 1989, began a network modernization programme.
The major thrust aimed at upgrading and replacing existing switching and trunk network.
Telecom has now replaced all analogue exchanges in urban centres to have a 98% digital switching
network. In 1996, Telecom together with FINTEL introduced C7 signalling through the switching
network both on national and international links, resulting in a more efficient connection and
switching time between exchanges.
Also the introduction of DRMASS radio systems to rural communities outside urban centres has
greatly improved access to areas previously with poor communications links. Major radio trunks
utilize 140 MB Digital Radio Systems (DRS), and 140 MB Fibre Optic Digital Radio Systems to
interlink the main switching centres
To remote and outer island communities, Trunk Radio Systems are used. Other rural communities
are linked to main exchanges using line concentrator systems.
New services introduced by Telecom Fiji include Toll Free Service (0800), Voice Mail Service,
Calling Card Service, Paging Service, and is also the Internet Service Provider.
On the international links conversation of analogue links on the submarine cable system on Australia
and New Zealand routes have greatly improved the quality of service on them and also increased
capacity through the use of circuit multiplication equipment.
2.3.3
Future developments
As part of its five-year development plan, TFL will digitalize the switching and transmission network
by the year 2000 in support of the company's business plan.
Demand for telecommunication services brought about economic growth in the past few years is a
driving factor to improving network reliability through the introduction of appropriate technology
and to fulfil service obligations and increase penetration.
New technologies to be introduced include wireless local loop systems, which will supplement
services in areas where capacity is exceeded or in areas lacking infrastructure.
To keep abreast of technological advancement both service providers are wary of the requirements
for change and the need for resource management and training.
2.4
Kiribati
Telecommunications services in the Kiribati Islands is provided by Telecom Services Kiribati Ltd
(TKSL), a joint venture between the Kiribati Government (51%) and Telstra Ltd of Australia (49%).
TKSL was formed in 1990 to operate both the national and international telecommunications
services.
2.4.1
Existing telecommunications services
TKSL is the service provider in Kiribati providing local, national and international
telecommunications services.
International access is provided through the Bairiki Gateway earth station, which comprises of a
Standard B earth station on south Tarrawa.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
-7CMDT98/74-E
International access is via an IDR link to Sydney Australia allowing global access and through the
Telstra PACT DAMA Network to Pacific Island countries. The IDR bearer currently has 16 bearer
channels, which includes two for dedicated data bearers.
Kiribati utilizes 8 modems on the PACT network allowing access to Pacific Island neighbours on the
PACT Network.
The switching network is fully digitalized. The network consists of three main exchanges on Bairiki,
Betio and Bikenibeu. Kiribati utilizes the Alcatel E10 exchange as main exchanges. The Bairiki
switch caters for the business centre of Kiribati, where the most population of Kiribati are.
Communication links to the 17 outer islands still use HF Radio grouped in 6 sub stations, providing
service in a manual scheduled basis. The HF system has recently been upgraded in the utilization of
an automatic Radio to Telephone Interconnect System (Codan). This now allows automation of
remote subscribers dialling into the south Tarrawa switching network.
Kiritimati Island in the eastern Line and Phoenix Group consists of 16 islands. Serving as Kiribati's
second port of entry, is linked to Kiribati via a 7.2 metre earth station. A 300 line ALCATEL E10
exchange serves Kiritimati.
2.4.2
•
Development plans
Upgrading of remote islands HF communications links.
•
Upgrading of the domestic DAMA network from analogue to digital.
•
Investigation into the introduction of Internet services.
2.5
Marshall Islands
The National Telecommunications Authority (NTA) provides all national and international
telecommunications services in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The then 100% Government owned enterprise formed in 1987, was privatized in 1991 to operate as
a private corporation. Since then, NTA has embarked on a project to replace and expand the
telecommunications infrastructure throughout the Marshall Islands.
2.5.1
Telecommunication services
All of NTAs national and international traffic is via satellite. NTA operates two Standard B satellite
earth stations on Majuro and Ebeye.
NTA offers direct international services to Hawaii, the US mainland, Japan, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru,
Fiji, Cooks, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Australia and New Zealand.
From 1992, NTA began converting all transmission links from analogue to digital.
The heart of the switching network is centred on two Northern Telecom DMS100/200/300 switches
on Majuro and Ebeye brought into service in 1993. In addition to this, NTA provided remote
switching equipment to increase capacity and penetration of telecommunications services to Majuro
Atoll. Similar expansion work conducted on Ebeye has led to an increase in customer base in the two
main islands.
In 1994, NTA introduced its cellular telephone service. The service is available on Majuro, Ebeye
and Kwajelein. The cellular service complements the normal telephony service where terrestrial
means cannot access.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
-8CMDT98/74-E
Communications to remote outer islands is via single side band radio systems and appropriate
emerging technologies to better communications to these communities will be looked at as they are
developed.
The development of telecommunications has advanced in the Marshall Islands since the formation of
NTA. NTA envisages to keep telecommunications services within the Republic abreast of global
trends.
2.6
Nauru
The Nauru Government through the Department of Telecommunications provides
telecommunications services in the Republic of Nauru.
The Nauru network is fully digitalized. The heart of the network is an AT&T 5ESS switch
connecting about 1 500 circuits to local residents and businesses and also connects to the gateway
earth station for international communications. The 5ESS serves both as the domestic and
international gateway switch.
Nauru's Standard B earth station supports a multi-destinational IDR carrier to Australia (Telstra) and
the United States (AT&T). The digital satellite service uses an AT&T integrated access terminal
(IAT) capable of compressing 150 circuits onto the 2MB carrier.
Nauru's Cellular Radio System uses a Plexsys D200 analogue switch. The system supports 72
channels with 800 subscribers. The cellular exchange is trunked to the 5ESS switch through
microwave trunks.
2.7
Niue
Telecommunications services in Niue is provided by Telecom Niue. Telecom is government owned
and under the Communications Act 1989 is empowered to operate domestic and international postal
and telecommunications networks and services and to control and manage the frequency spectrum.
Telecom Niue also operates a marine coast station and meteorological service and is contracted by
the Civil Aviation Department to maintain communication and navigation equipment. Telecom Niue
has provided modern telephone services to almost every single occupied household in Niue. It
continues to develop and provide telecommunications infrastructure to a small residing population.
2.7.1
Telecommunication services
International telecommunication services is provided by a 512 kbps link to New Zealand through the
gateway Standard B earth station. A 2 Mbps optical fibre cable interconnects the earth station to
switching centre. Niue also operates a single modem on the Telstra PACT DAMA Network.
Telex and telegraph services is provided via a leased analogue circuit to New Zealand. The service is
provided using an NEC TDM multiplexing equipment accessing the Telecom New Zealand telex
exchange.
A 500 line Redcom Telephone Switch caters for the telephone service to PSTN subscribers handling
both national and international service. Other services provided through the switch are operator
assistance service dealing with customer assistance and fault reporting.
Niue's Cellular service was commissioned in December 1996. The Harris Cellular Network provides
both fixed and mobile coverage for the whole of Niue through two cell sites.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
-9CMDT98/74-E
2.7.2
Telecommunications developments
Niue's five-year development plan to 1997, has included the upgrading of the satellite earth station
software.
Improvements in access to the villages of Makefu and Tuapa, and studies on the expansion of
telephone service to remote villages.
Upgrading of the earth station power and HPA systems and the introduction of cellular services.
The Internet Access Project is underway.
2.8
Palau
Telecommunications services in the islands of the Republic of Palau is provided by the Palau
National Communications Corporation (PNCC). PNCC is a public corporation formed in 1982 when
the Palau Government privatized its telecommunications services.
PNCC operates both the national and international telecommunications services.
2.8.1
Telecommunication services
The majority of Palau's business and residential community are located on Koror the capital state.
International service is provided through Palau's international gateway earth station The Standard B
earth station operates to mainland United States, Hawaii, Guam and Japan.
Palau's main switching centres are located on Koror and Babeldaob Island. The main exchange on
Balbedaoh is a Lucent Digital Switch. IDD service was implemented in Palau in 1993. In Koror there
is a C7 Domestic Switch module that is linked to the host in Babeldaoh via a fibre optic link. In
addition remote carrier equipment are interfaced throughout the fibre optic network.
Palau's distribution network is still traditionally the copper plan.
2.8.2
Telecommunication development
The PNCC currently is involved in modernizing and expanding their telecommunications network.
Installation of digital switches and subscriber carrier equipment is in progress. The copper outside
plant is being replaced by a combination of optic fibre, copper and microwave facilities.
The expansion programme will see the introduction of a second digital AT&T switch in Koror and
installation of 14 remote switches to the islands of Peleliu, Kayangei and Angaur. These switches will
be connected in tandem to the Babeldao exchange.
A SONET fibre optic network is being installed to connect local networks throughout the islands of
Palau. This includes a fibre optic ring festooning Babeldaob and an optic fibre link to Peleliu. These
facilities will have the capability of providing distance learning, telemedicine and cable TV
applications.
Microwave radio facilities will link the remote switches on Kayangei and Angaur to fibre hubs
interlinked into PNCC's main switching centres. Also in addition to upgrading the copper distribution
network, wireless in the local loop systems are being investigated.
PNCC has also recently introduced Internet services utilizing a 64 kbps pipeline to the Internet
gateway and are also exploring broadband applications that would provide distance learning and
telemedicine capabilities to schools and medical centres.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
- 10 CMDT98/74-E
2.9
Papua New Guinea
Telikom PNG a 100% government owned enterprise was formed in January 1997 to replace the
former Post & Telecommunications Corporation (PTC). Telikom is licensed to provide all
telecommunications services throughout PNG on a monopoly basis till the year 2002.
2.9.1
Telecommunication services
Currently Telikom PNG has 52 000 telephone lines, which serves 4 million people. In addition these
are 4 000 customers connected to the AMPS mobile Telecom service. PNG hopes to have its GSM
in place this year. The Internet service has already proven successful.
The 52 000 exchange lines in PNG represents 1% of the telephone penetration. 85% of the
population in PNG live in rural communities and have access to 4% of the total telephone lines
available in PNG.
The PNG telecommunications system is 100% automatic, with international links to 143 countries,
and domestic services to most urban centres.
PNG'S Domestic and International Communications Centre located at Gerehu in Port Moresby
includes an 18 metre Intelsat Standard A earth station and a 7 metre Optus Antenna providing global
and direct links to Australia. A second Optus antenna commissioned in September 1996 links Lae to
Optus in Sydney Australia. The Optus links are fully digital links utilizing CCS7 signalling. An 18
metre Domsat antenna serves as a hub for the domestic satellite system. PNG has access to
INTELSAT, Inmarsat, AUSSAT, PALAPA and ASIASAT.
The Domsat network interconnects 13 provinces throughout PNG using a leased transponder on an
Intelsat satellite. The domestic network in addition to telephony services also provides a TV
distribution service, and replaces a troposcatter system to two remote locations, and also provides a
telephony restoration service. It also has a number of transportable earth stations for emergency
purposes.
From 1992, Telikom commenced a five-year modernization programme to replace all analogue
telephony switches to digital. The programme will allow greater traffic volumes, faster switching and
improved services throughout the country.
PNG has begun introducing from 1991, fibre optic in its core network to interconnect its switching
centres in the urban centres. Also in 1991, card operated public telephones were introduced for the
benefit of the PNG public.
Mobile communications services are provided by Pacific Mobile Communications, a100% wholly
owned subsidiary of Telikom. The service using AMPS technology covers the Port Moresby, Lae
and Mount Hagen regions.
Communication links to remote rural out stations remains on HF Radio. There are 1 200 HF stations
throughout PNG that are licensed to operate on the Outstation Network.
2.9.2
Telecommunication development plans
The government has embarked on an extensive rural telecommunication programme. The target it
has set for the service provider is that by the year 2000 the telephone penetration must be 3%. The
government has allowed Telikom to retain dividends payable to Government to implement the Rural
Telecom Programme. Four (4) provinces have recently benefited from this exercise.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
- 11 CMDT98/74-E
In addition to achieving this target of 3%, a service known as the Fixed Price Service has been
introduced. Demand has now outstripped supply since this service was introduced. It attracts a fixed
fee of about minimum $US 10 per month and a direct debit scheme.
PNG wants to ensure that the people in the rural areas get the same service as those enjoyed by the
urban dwellers.
2.10
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Telekom Company Ltd (Telekom) provides telecommunications services. Telekom is a
joint venture between the Solomon Islands Government (58.1%) and Cable & Wireless plc (41.9%).
Telecom was formed in 1989 when the international service provider SOLTEL (Solomon
Govt/C&W - JV) took over the government run national service.
2.10.1 Telecommunications services
The national switching network in the Solomon comprises an Alcatel E10B and an NEC NEAX 61K
trunk exchange forming the core switch in Honiara. Four NEC NEAX 61S and four GPT UXD5
local switches are on outer locations.
The Alcatel E10B has three remote concentrators providing services within the greater Honiara area.
The core trunk transmission comprises of DAMA satellite network and digital microwave links
interconnecting the main islands to Honiara to form the National Telephone Network.
Telekom operates a domestic satellite system (VISTA) which uses six 6.5 metre dishes on the outer
islands working to the 7.6 metre hub in Honiara. The Honiara international gateway earth station is a
Standard B working to eight destinations (AUST/NZ/FIJI/PNG/HKG/SNG). All destinations are
linked via IDR bearers.
To provide communications to the outmost islands Telecom utilizes OPTUS Mobilesat service
through the OPTUS B1 satellite. Mobilesat uses a briefcase type mobile phone with tube antenna
linking customers direct to the Optus network in Australia. Registered customers are billed by
Telekom through data received from Optus. Telekom is also introducing Inmarsats mini M service.
Other services offered by Telecom are:
Telephony Facsimile
Telex
Telegraph
HF Radio
Data
Paging
PABX Systems
Mobile Cellular (A-AMPS)
Packet Switch
Internet SP
Telekom will continually introduce new products when they are feasible.
2.10.2 Telecommunications development
Telecom is currently embarking on a major rural telecommunications infrastructure development in
an endeavour to increase penetration throughout the island group.
The project targets second line rural locations beyond the provincial centres; to provide basic
telecommunications services. A recent ITU consultancy identified 219 rural community locations,
with villages and settlements having medical centres, police and aid posts and post offices.
Appropriate technologies identified for the project are point-to-multipoint terrestrial digital
microwave (IRT2000) which can provide a minimum of 8 telephone or fax lines at each radio site.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
- 12 CMDT98/74-E
Telecom is planning to implement 4 IRT systems to cater for the 219 community locations. Other
technologies under consideration to provide access where terrestrial access is not possible or is not
practical are satellite (VSAT) or other low capacity domestic systems.
2.11
Tonga
Telecommunications services in the island Kingdom of Tonga are provided by Tonga
Telecommunications Commission (TTC) which provides all national services and Cable and Wireless
plc (C&W plc) franchised by the Tongan Government to provide international services.
2.11.1 Telecommunication services
The international gateway earth station operated by C&W plc is located at Nuku'alofa on Tongatapu.
The earth station has IDR links to the United States and Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Hong
Kong and Fiji caters for the bulk of telephony traffic to these destinations. C&W provides
maintenance service on the international links.
Other services provided by C&W include;
Internet Services
Bureaufax
Telex
Telegram
Leased Data Circuits Card Phones
The TTC provides and operates the telephone switches for both national and international telephone
services. The main telephone switches are on the islands of Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and Eua. The
main exchanges are Ericsson AXE10 switches whilst there are still a couple of analogue Ericsson
ARF switches still in operation in Tongatapu.
The four main island groups are linked via a Troposcatter Radio System. This system is being
planned to be replaced by a domestic satellite system by 1998.
Communications links to the northernmost Tin Can Mail islands is by HF Radio.
TTC also operates an AMP Cellular Telephone System. The CMTS provides telecommunications
services to about 12 remote rural villages without landlines or radio access on Tongatapu.
2.11.2 Telecommunications development
Development over the last five years has seen the introduction of digital exchanges and Remote
Subscriber Stages (RSS) to improve communications. The introduction of the Cellular Mobile
Telephone System has improved service provision to remote rural villages on Tongatapu.
There is a lot of modernization in Customer Premises Equipment especially in the business sector
with the introduction of PMBX and EPABX business systems and the phasing out of telex services.
The five-year development plan includes an on-going modernization programme for the replacement
of analogue systems on the network, and introduction of digital services. From 1998, the
introduction of a Domestic Satellite System to replace the present Troposcatter HF Radio Systems
will greatly improve communications services to the outer islands.
In line with the introduction of new services, both service providers are wary of the requirement to
develop human resources through appropriate training programme to ensure a contribution to
development.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
- 13 CMDT98/74-E
2.12
Tuvalu
Central Pacific country comprised of eight islands. The Tuvalu Telecommunication Corporation
(TTC) provides telecommunication services. The Tuvalu Telecommunications Corporation (TTC)
was formed in February 1994; before then TTC was a Government department and had been
operating for over twenty years.
2.12.1 Telecommunication services
Telecommunications in Tuvalu can be divided into domestic and international network.
The domestic network is based on a SPC exchange located in Funafuti providing telephone services
locally by copper cable and remotely to each one of eight outer islands via a digital domestic satellite
system.
The international network connects the SPC exchange to an international gateway via 8 satellite
analogue channels (4 x PAMA and 4 x DAMA).
HF radio is used as a backup communications system.
2.12.2 Telecommunications development
The TTC short-term development plans include:
Update the international circuits to digital technology (IDR) and increase the capacity.
Join the Internet community.
Install a radio cellular system in Funafuti
2.13
Western Samoa
Telecommunications in Western Samoa is still under a government department. The Samoa Posts
and Telecommunications Department operates under the Ministry, and the Chief Executive
appointed as Director, is responsible to the Minister.
The P&T Department, is responsible for development and maintenance of all national and
international postal and telecommunications services within the country.
2.13.1 Telecommunication services
Development in telecommunications over the last five years have seen the replacement of Samoa's
only crossbar exchange with five digital SPC exchanges (Ericsson AXE10), a national microwave
network, extensive external plant and a fully digital Standard "A" earth station. This was brought
about by an ADB/World Bank and EEC funded project.
The project has resulted in a progressive growth of the telecommunications network, and a marked
improvement in service quality. Of the 5 exchanges, 4 serve rural areas and are linked into the main
exchange in Apia via digital microwave links.
Rural communications were upgraded through the introduction in 1995, of Digital Radio Multiple
Access Subscriber Systems (DRMASS) which now allow up to 70% of the population access to
telephone services.
The network utilizes Ericsson AXE10 switches and NOKIA DR240E/NEC DRMASS/IRT2000
Transmission Equipment to form the core network. Digital Microwave interconnects all regional
exchanges to Apia.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
- 14 CMDT98/74-E
International access via the Maluafou earth station provides direct IDR links to
FIJI/HAWAI I/JAPAN/NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA/USA. A terrestrial digital microwave link
provides access to neighbouring American Samoa.
In addition to telephony, the P&T also provides telex service longlined to New Zealand, leased data
services to various destinations, and recently introduced Internet services through Computer
Services Ltd, who is the current ISP. Access is provided via a 64 kbps link to Big Pond in Australia.
There are plans to replace this service with a higher capacity link to the United States in the future.
An AMPS Cellular Mobile telephone system was put into service in July 1997, and has reached the
1 100 subscriber mark after only 5 months.
2.13.2 Telecommunications development
Future development in telecommunications services will see expansion to the switching network
through increasing capacity on the present exchanges. The Digital Radio systems have capacity for
expansion and will meet requirements
Emerging and appropriate technologies such as wireless in the local loop and cellular will be of
interest, especially in the area of increasing penetration and meeting demand both in the populated
and rural communities. Preparations are now under way for the corporatization of Post and
Telecommunications Department by 1 July 1998.
3
ITU and telecommunications development in the Pacific region
ITU development activities in the Pacific have a long history. For many years, ITU, as executing
agency for UNDP funded projects, has assisted developing countries of the Pacific in the planning of
their telecommunication networks, training their staff and implementing their development
programmes. Virtually every island country in the subregion has started development of its
telecommunications based on first Master Plans prepared with the help of UNDP/ITU. It can be
safely said, therefore, that ITU and UNDP have indeed laid the foundation for development of
telecommunications in the subregion.
After completion of UNDP funded programmes, ITU remained a strong supporter of
telecommunication development in the subregion. Soon after the closure of the UNDP/ITU project
office in SUVA, ITU established an Area Office for the Pacific, which is currently located in
Bangkok. In the last four years, since the Buenos Aires World Development Conference, ITU/BDT
carried out an impressive number of activities in the subregion. These include four regional studies,
five pre-investment studies, implementation of two capital projects, provision of expertise in the
areas of Policies, Regulation and Legislation, Licensing, Corporate Planning, Tariff Setting,
Accounting Rates and International Settlements, Frequency Spectrum Planning and Management,
Broadcasting and Improvement of Maintenance. During this period ITU/BDT provided also valuable
assistance in the Area of Human Resources Development (HRD). ITU/BDT supported the Suva and
Solomon Islands Training Centre in development of new courses, conducted one seminar on Tariff
Engineering, two presentations on LEO Satellite Systems, three workshops on Maritime
Radiocommunication Services and one workshop in Telecom Sector Governance. ITU also provided
numerous fellowships for training of staff from the subregion in various telecommunication areas.
In short, the ITU/BDT Area Office for the Pacific has become a place where developing countries of
the subregion turn almost daily for information, advice and support.
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
- 15 CMDT98/74-E
4
Future expectations
The need for ITU support is even greater at these rapidly changing times. The entire
telecommunication industry worldwide is currently undergoing dramatic transformations. New
technologies are being developed and new services introduced at a rapid pace, old monopolies are
breaking up and new operators are emerging, telecommunication markets are expanding beyond
national borders and new powerful alliances are being created at the global level. In addition, the role
of governments in the telecommunication sector is being redefined. Therefore, more then ever before
developing countries and particularly small Island Countries of the Pacific expect ITU/BDT to
continue to be the source of unbiased, top-quality and cost-effective expertise and up-to-date and
credible reference information.
As described in previous sections of this paper, developing countries in the subregion have made a
strong progress in development of their telecommunications, but they still have a long way to go
before they reach a desired level of development. Most developing island countries continue to
extend basic telecommunication services to all their populated islands. However, like the rest of the
world, they have to think and work towards the introduction of new services and broadband
networks to enable much needed applications to take root in their countries, such as tele-education
and telemedicine. Consequently needs of the developing countries in the Pacific subregion for
assistance are both diverse and dynamic.
Therefore the WTDC Action Plan needs to include priorities that can be identified at this stage but
should be sufficiently flexible to accommodate new requirements that may emerge in coming years in
this diverse subregion.
More importantly, the WTDC-98 Action Plan should reinforce the role of ITU/BDT as an institution
where developing countries can turn for unbiased, top-quality and cost-effective expertise,
information and support and as a United Nations Specialized Agency that will insure that the voice
of small developing countries in the Pacific as well as else where is heard on global issues.
5
List of priorities
PITA/74/1
Considering the trend and dynamism of the telecommunications industry and the situation in the
Pacific the following list of priorities are proposed to be included in the WTDC-98 Action Plan (not
in a priority order):
1)
A yearly workshop on telecommunications technology applicable for the Pacific's unique
environment. To enhance the workshop, it could be combined with an exhibition of modern
technology available, and applicable to our environment. The workshop would be an
opportune forum to bring together experiences on various telecommunications systems used
in different countries for discussion. Discussions on package purchasing, most economical
supply source, etc.
2)
The establishment of a suitable Information Exchange System that will enable access to
telecommunication related information. The information exchange will provide up-to-date
information on regional/global matters on telecommunications. Sharing of experiences for
mutual benefit.
3)
The elaboration of country programme for LDCs will assist in infrastructure development of
these countries. Individual countries will have to identify areas of need and programmes
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98
- 16 CMDT98/74-E
that could be implemented to assist in these areas. The programmes could be implemented
for individual countries or in a group.
4)
Provision of information/access to distant learning facilities in each country. Possibilities of
having own Internet hub, email centre. An education link throughout the Pacific region will
be beneficial to all.
5)
Provision of fellowships and other direct assistance to LDCs. This would accommodate
needs and requirements of LDCs as this would facilitate participation of LDCs on forums
they would not normally afford to attend. Assistance could be in the form of consultancy
work, feasibility studies towards development opportunities and HRD.
6)
Relocation of the ITU office to a suitable location in the Pacific. This would have many
advantages and would greatly enhance collaboration between ITU/BDT and the countries of
the subregion.
7)
Matters of global interest and significant to the small island states that must be addressed
include:
6
•
Accounting Rate Reform.
•
Internet Issues: Voice over Internet and related issues, bypass problems, methods of
prevention of distribution of harmful contents, etc.
•
Year 2000 problems: The Millennium Bug.
Conclusion
ITU is encouraged to continue its good work and look at the needs and priorities of the Island States
that currently need assistance. This is important when the global telecommunications environment is
going through significant changes that will have a major impact on the survival of island states.
Small Island Countries of the Pacific expect ITU/BDT to continue to be the source of unbiased,
top-quality and cost-effective expertise as they try to adapt to major changes that confront them.
On behalf of the Pacific Island States and the Government of Papua New Guinea I thank you all for
your audience.
_____________
C:\EDMG\ITUDOC\WTDC98\DEFINITIF\074E.WW7
(63011)
12.03.98
16.03.98